US6471644B1 - Endoscopic stabilization device and method of use - Google Patents

Abstract

An endoscopic stabilization device is provided. The device includes first and second support elements positioned opposite each other, a plurality of linkages, each linkage including a first end portion attached to the first support element and a second end portion attached to the second support element; and a cable operatively attached to the linkages at a first end to allow a user to pull a second end of the cable to move the first support element in a direction away from the second support element. Methods of using the device to stabilize and immobilize components in the body are also provided.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to devices that are capable of supporting or compressing an organ, such as the heart, and of exposing a given area of tissue to permit a surgical procedure to be performed in an area where minimal invasive procedures are desired. In particular, the invention relates to an endoscopic device that is capable of separating, exposing, stabilizing and supporting different tissues, organs and viscera so that appropriate areas of tissue are exposed.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Surgery on certain areas of an organ such as the heart is difficult because the organ is not easily accessible. In particular, as endoscopic surgery becomes more prevalent, the area accessible to surgery will become even more localized. The need for supporting the organ and presenting the appropriate surface for surgery will be even greater. For example, the heart is located beneath the chest wall and surrounded by a variety of other body organs and components, which makes it difficult to access. In addition, the heart continually moves (beats). In order to perform surgery on a particular area of the heart, the heart must be stopped completely or at least stopped in the area of surgery.

Typically, the chest wall is opened and the heart stopped completely for the time it takes the surgery to be performed (open heart surgery.) In some cases, the heart is stopped in particular areas using a device such as the Octopus Cardiac Tissue Stabilizer described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,927,284 to Medtronic. Surgery is then performed in the stopped area while the rest of the heart continues to beat (beating heart surgery). In an endoscopic version of heart surgery, the chest wall would not be opened but rather stab wounds would be made in the chest cavity at strategic points and the surgery performed while the heart remains behind the sternum.

One difficulty in this type of surgery is separating the heart sufficiently from other components within the chest cavity including the sternum and ribs. Another difficulty is stopping the heart in an area to perform the surgery. Although existing devices could be used to immobilize the heart for such surgery, any additional device used must be inserted into the relatively small chest cavity, taking up space.

It would be desirable therefore to have a device that separates the heart sufficiently from other tissues, organs and rib structures to present an area of the heart for surgery without obscuring that area.

Furthermore it would be desirable if the device could also support the heart, bracing it while causing little distress to the heart.

Additionally, it would be desirable if the device could be capable of immobilizing portions of the heart for surgery, thereby eliminating the need for an additional immobilization device, particularly in an endoscopic surgical procedure.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One aspect of the invention provides an endoscopic stabilization apparatus that includes first and second support elements positioned opposite each other, a plurality of linkages attached to the support elements and a cable attached to the linkages to allow a user to pull the cable to move the first support element in a direction away from the second support element. The apparatus may include a handle portion with an opening for the cable. The apparatus may include a securing mechanism operatively attached to an end of the cable. The first end of the linkages may be attached adjacent an edge of the first support element and the second end of each linkage may be attached adjacent an edge of the second support element. The midpoint of each linkage may also be attached to a connecting bar. The cable is attached in a fixed or a slidable manner at the midpoint of at least one of the linkages. The support elements may be pads arranged directly opposite each other. The support elements may be textured. The support elements may include suction elements. The support elements may return to a collapsed position when the cable is not in tension. The apparatus may be secured with a thumbscrew mechanism.

Another aspect of the invention provides a method of bracing an organ. An endoscopic support apparatus is provided. The apparatus is positioned in a collapsed configuration and inserted into a body cavity. Movement of the cable separates the support elements. At least one of the support elements is then braced against a component within the body cavity. The apparatus may then be secured in a desired configuration. The apparatus may include suction elements that are used to grasp the component within the body cavity.

Another aspect of the invention provides a method of stopping movement of a heart. An endoscopic support apparatus is provided. The apparatus is positioned in a collapsed configuration and inserted into a chest cavity. Movement of the cable separates the support elements. One of the support elements is then braced against an area of chest wall the other is braced against an area of the heart with sufficient pressure to stop movement of the heart. The apparatus may then be secured in a desired configuration. The apparatus may include suction elements that are used to grasp the chest wall and/or the heart.

Another aspect of the invention provides a support apparatus for separating an organ from a chest wall. The apparatus includes an elongated handle including an opening formed therein, a cable received in the handle opening, first and second support elements positioned opposite each other, a first linkage connected adjacent a first end of each of the first and second support elements, a midpoint of the first linkage connected to the cable, a second linkage connected adjacent a second end of each of the first and second support element and a midpoint of the second linkage connected to the cable. The cable is pulled to move the first and second support elements away from each other to separate the organ from the chest wall. The cable is attached in a fixed manner at the midpoint of the first linkage and in a slidable manner at the midpoint of the second linkage. The apparatus may include a securing mechanism attached to an end of the cable.

The foregoing and other features and advantages of the invention will become further apparent from the following detailed description of the presently preferred embodiments, read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The detailed description and drawings are merely illustrative of the invention rather than limiting, the scope of the invention being defined by the appended claims and equivalents thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a sideview of an endoscopic stabilization device in a collapsed position in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side view of an endoscopic stabilization device in an expanded position in accordance with the present invention braced within a body cavity; and

FIG. 3 is a rear view of another embodiment of an endoscopic stabilization in an expanded position in accordance with the present invention braced within a body cavity.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 shows an endoscopic stabilization device in accordance with the present invention in a collapsed configuration.Endoscopic device10 comprises twosupport pads21,22 arranged one above the other and attached by a connectingcable14 and an arrangement ofrigid linkages18,19. The distal end of the connectingcable14 may be connected to the pad and linkage arrangement. The proximal end of the connecting cable may be enclosed within ahollow handle12.

Thehandle12 ofendoscopic device10 may be a hollow tube of relatively small diameter. Preferably,handle12 may be a size and diameter insertable within an endoscopic port. For use in a standard endoscopic procedure, for example, the diameter ofhandle12 may fall within the range of 2-10 mm. Alternatively, the end ofhandle12 that is inserted into the body cavity may be of a smaller diameter than the other end of the handle left outside the body. The diameter ofhandle12 may preferably be only slightly larger than the diameter of connectingcable14.

While it is preferable that handle12 be circular in cross section, thereby occupying a minimal area, it is contemplated that handle may be square, rectangular or any other cross section that is desired or convenient. Preferably handle12 may be made of a biocompatible material such as stainless steel, plastic or a combination of the two. Preferably, a biocompatible material prompts little allergenic response from the patient's body and is resistant to corrosion from being placed within the patient's body. Furthermore, the biocompatible material preferably does not cause any additional stress to the patient's body, for example, it does not scrape detrimentally against any elements within the surgical cavity.Handle12 may be malleable. Optionally, handle12 may have other components attached to lend convenience and utility to the handle, for example, a grip or trigger component.

Connectingcable14 may be enclosed withinhandle12 such that the two ends ofcable14 protrude fromhandle12. The length of connectingcable14 may be any suitable length for insertion into a body cavity.Cable14 may have a distal end that is inserted into a body cavity and a proximal end that may be attached to asecuring mechanism16, as seen in FIG.2.Cable14 may be made of a biocompatible material as described above.Cable14 may be a braided metal fiber.Cable14 may also be a stainless steel cable.Cable14 is preferably flexible but capable of tensioning without breaking.

At its distalend connecting cable14 may be connected to an arrangement ofrigid linkages18,19. Theserigid linkages18,19 may be disposed between anupper support pad21 and alower support pad22. “Upper” and “lower” are used herein for reference to the figures, and it is contemplated that the device may be used in various orientations. These linkages may be made of stainless steel.Linkages18,19 may also be made of a rigid thermoplastic. Alternatively,linkages18,19 may be made out of any suitably strong, suitably rigid biocompatible material as described above.

Preferably, tworigid linkages18,19 may be disposed betweenpads21,22, although the number and configuration of linkages may vary.Linkage18 may preferably comprise an upper and lower component. “Upper” and “lower” are used herein for reference to the figures, and it is contemplated that the device may be used in various orientations. The upper component oflinkage18 may be attached toupper pad21 atpoint28 and to connectingcable14 atpoint38. The lower component oflinkage18 may be attached tolower pad22 atpoint48 and to connectingcable14 atpoint38. Upper and lower components oflinkage18 may pivot atpoint38.Linkage19 may preferably be structured in the same manner aslinkage18. For example, in FIG. 1,linkage19 is attached toupper pad21 atpoint29, to connectingcable14 atpoint39 and tolower pad22 atpoint49. Connectingcable14 may preferably be connected to pivotpoint38 in a fixed manner. Connectingcable14 may preferably be connected to pivotpoint39 in a slidable manner.

Upper andlower support pads21,22 may be made from biocompatible material. Thepads21,22 may be made from materials including, for example, thermoplastic or thermosetting materials if it is desired to makeendoscopic device10 disposable. Upper and lowerssupport pads21,22 may be, for example, 5-10 mm in width and 20-30 mm in length for convenient insertion through an endoscopic port. Thesupport pads21,22 may be made in any size that is convenient depending upon the need.

Additionally,support pads21,22 may be made of material to improve their bracing and grasping properties. For example,pads21,22 may be made of any material that grasps organ surfaces well, such as for example, biocompatible rubber. Alternatively,pads21,22 may be covered or coated with any material that grasps organ surfaces well. Additionally,support pads21,22 or the covering may be textured to better grip an organ surface.Support pads21,22 may also incorporate elements that would enable better grasping, such as for example, suction elements.

FIG. 2 shows an endoscopic stabilization device in accordance with the present invention in an expanded configuration within the chest cavity.Rigid linkages18,19 are shown connectingupper support pad21 tolower support pad22. Connectingcable14 may be connected tolinkage18 atmidpoint38 and tolinkage19 atmidpoint39.

In use,support device10 may be inserted into a body cavity, for example, the chest cavity, in the collapsed configuration of FIG.1. Insertion may be through a cannula or trocar (not shown). Whendevice10 is in a collapsed configuration, thesupport pads21,22 may present a streamlined device that permits a nontraumatic entry of the device into the body.

Additionally, to facilitate insertion,device10 may be covered withflexible covering40 as shown in FIG.1. Thismembrane40 may be made of a flexible biocompatible material such as rubber or polyurethane. Covering40 may serve to cover any protruding parts ofdevice10 during insertion into the body cavity. Covering40 may also serve to helpdevice10 better conform to and grip the organ surface. Alternatively,device10 may be inserted without any covering, as seen in FIG.2.

The surgeon may then use handle12 to maneuver thesupport pads21,22 into position within the body cavity. At the appropriate location, the surgeon may spreadsupport pads21,22 so thatupper pad21 is braced against one element within the cavity andlower pad22 is braced against a second element within the cavity. For example, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2,pad21 may be braced againstchest wall31 andpad22 may be braced against a surface of theheart32. As shown in FIG. 2,upper support pad21 may have anouter face35 that meets the surface of the organ being braced and aninner face45 that meetslower support pad22.Lower support pad22 may have anouter face36 that meets the surface of the organ being braced and aninner face46 that meetsupper support pad21.

Thepads21,22 may be spread apart by pulling on connectingcable14. When the surgeon pulls on connectingcable14,midpoint39 may be pulled towardshandle12. Meanwhile,midpoint38 may move closer tomidpoint39. Asmidpoint38 moves closer tomidpoint39, the upper and lower components ofrigid linkage18 may be forced apart, thereby forcingupper pad21 away fromlower pad22. Meanwhile, the tension ofmidpoint39 againsthandle12 may also force the upper and lower components ofrigid linkage19 apart, thereby forcingupper pad21 away fromlower pad22.Handle12 may act as a bracing element formidpoint39. Alternatively,midpoint39 may be braced against another suitable bracing element.Rigid linkage19 may also be made suitably rigid to maintain a braced position formidpoint39. Alternatively,rigid linkage19 may incorporate a bracing mechanism to maintain a braced position formidpoint39.

In order totension connecting cable14 so thatpads21,22 are at a desired position, the proximal end ofcable14 may be attached to asecuring mechanism16. Securingmechanism16 may be attached to handle12 or it may be a separate member. This holds stabilization andsupport device10 in the desired position for stabilizing an organ such as theheart32 against thechest wall31. Securingmechanism16 may be, for example, a thumbscrew mechanism, which may be twisted to pull the connectingcable14. Securingmechanism16 may also be a rack and pinion mechanism, which may be turned to pull the connectingcable14. Connectingcable14 may be pulled manually until a desired tension is reached and then attached at its proximal end to a securing mechanism such as a support plate or a support pin. Securingmechanism16 may be any suitable means for holdingpads21,22 in the desired expanded position.

In one method of employing stabilization andsupport device10,cable14 is pulled until the position ofpads21,22 applies sufficient pressure to immobilize an area of the organ being braced. This is particularly desirable because it immobilizes the organ without need for inserting an additional immobilization device. For example, whenpads21,22 are braced in such a manner againstheart32, a nearby area of heart tissue may be immobilized so that surgery may be performed. No further device may be needed for this immobilization. In another embodiment, twodevices10 are used to brace the heart in two locations. The area between the two locations may then be immobilized so that surgery may be performed.

FIG. 3 shows a rear view of an alternate embodiment of anendoscopic stabilization device310 in accordance with the present invention. In this embodiment, tworigid linkages18 and318 are disposed towards a front end ofdevice310 and twoadditional linkages19 and319 are disposed towards a back end ofdevice310.Linkages18 and318 may be connected bybar337, which in turn connects tocable14 extending throughhandle12.Bar337 serves as a pivot point forlinkages18 and318.Linkages19 and319 may also be connected by asimilar bar347.Bar347 may also serve as a pivot point forlinkages19 and319.

In use,pads21,22 are spread apart by pulling on connectingcable14. When the surgeon pulls on connectingcable14,bar347 is pulled towardshandle12. Meanwhile, bar337 moves closer to bar347. Asbar337 moves closer to bar347, the upper components ofrigid linkages18,318 are forced away from the lower components ofrigid linkages18,318, thereby forcingupper pad21 away fromlower pad22. Meanwhile, the tension ofbar347 againsthandle12 also forces the upper components ofrigid linkages19,319 away from the lower components ofrigid linkages19,319, thereby forcingupper pad21 away fromlower pad22. The proximal end ofcable14 may be attached to a securing mechanism (not shown) as described above to hold stabilization andsupport device310 in a desired position.

FIG. 3 also showssuction elements350 disposed onpads21,22. These elements may allow better gripping of organ surfaces such aschest wall31 andheart32. It is contemplated that ifsupport pads21,22 incorporate suction elements, a flexible suction tube that may provide suction to the suction elements may also serve as connectingcable14. Alternatively, a separate suction tube or tubes may be incorporated intohandle12.

As noted above, theendoscopic device10 of the present invention can be used in an endoscopic heart surgery. It is contemplated that the stabilization and support device of the invention may be used in immobilization or bracing of other organs such as, for example, the liver, the diaphragm or the spleen.

It should be appreciated that the embodiments described above are to be considered in all respects only illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is indicated by the following claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalents are to be embraced within their scope.

Claims (32)

I claim:

1. An endoscopic stabilization apparatus comprising:

first and second support elements positioned opposite each other;

a plurality of linkages, each linkage including a first end portion attached to the first support element and a second end portion attached to the second support element; and

a cable operatively attached to the linkages at a first end to allow a user to pull a second end of the cable to move the first support element in a direction away from the second support element;

further comprising a plurality of suction elements operatively attached to a face of each of the first and second support elements.

2. The apparatus ofclaim 1 further comprising:

a handle portion, the handle portion including an opening formed therein to receive the cable.

3. The apparatus ofclaim 1 further comprising:

a securing mechanism operatively attached to an end of the cable.

4. The apparatus ofclaim 1 wherein the plurality of linkages comprises two linkages, the first end portion of each linkage attached adjacent an edge of the first support element and the second end portion of each linkage attached adjacent an edge of the second support element.

5. The apparatus ofclaim 1 wherein the plurality of linkages comprises at least four linkages, the first end portion of each linkage attached adjacent an edge of the first support element and the second end portion of each linkage attached adjacent an edge of the second support element and the midpoint of each linkage operatively attached to a connecting bar.

6. The apparatus ofclaim 1 wherein the cable is attached in a fixed manner at a midpoint of at least one of the linkages.

7. The apparatus ofclaim 1 wherein the cable is attached in a slidable manner at a midpoint of at least one of the linkages.

8. The apparatus ofclaim 1 wherein the cable is attached in a fixed manner at a first midpoint of a first linkage and in a slidable manner at a second midpoint of a second linkage.

9. The apparatus ofclaim 1 wherein the first and second support elements comprise pads.

10. The apparatus ofclaim 1 wherein the first and second support elements are positioned directly opposite each other.

11. The apparatus ofclaim 1 wherein the first and second support elements are textured.

12. The apparatus ofclaim 1 wherein the first and second support elements return to a collapsed position when the cable is not in tension.

13. The apparatus ofclaim 1 wherein the securing mechanism is a thumbscrew mechanism.

14. A method of bracing an organ comprising:

providing an endoscopic support apparatus comprising first and second support elements positioned opposite each other, a plurality of linkages, each linkage including a first end portion attached to the first support element and a second end portion attached to the second support element; and a cable operatively attached to the linkages at a first end to allow a user to pull a second end of the cable to move the first support element in a direction away from the second support element;

positioning the apparatus in a collapsed configuration;

inserting the apparatus in a collapsed configuration into a body cavity;

separating the support elements by movement of the cable; and

bracing at least one of the support elements against a component within the body cavity;

wherein the support elements have a face with a plurality of suction elements operatively attached to the face, further comprising:

grasping the component within the body cavity with at least one of the suction elements.

15. The method ofclaim 14 further comprising:

securing the apparatus into a desired configuration.

16. The method ofclaim 14, wherein the support elements are textured.

17. A method of stopping movement of a heart comprising:

providing an endoscopic support apparatus comprising first and second support elements positioned opposite each other, a plurality of linkages, each linkage including a first end portion attached to the first support element and a second end portion attached to the second support element; and a cable operatively attached to the linkages at a first end to allow a user to pull a second end of the cable to move the first support element in a direction away from the second support element;

positioning the apparatus in a collapsed configuration;

inserting the apparatus in a collapsed configuration into a chest cavity;

separating the support elements by movement of the cable;

bracing the first support element against an area of chest wall; and

bracing the second support element against an area of the heart with sufficient pressure to stop movement of the heart.

18. The method ofclaim 17 further comprising:

securing the apparatus into a desired configuration.

19. The method ofclaim 17 wherein the support elements are textured.

20. The method ofclaim 17, wherein the support elements have a face with a plurality of suction elements operatively attached to the face, further comprising:

grasping the chest wall with at least one of the suction elements.

21. The method ofclaim 17, wherein the support elements have a face with a plurality of suction elements operatively attached to the face, further comprising:

grasping the heart with at least one of the suction elements.

22. A support apparatus for separating an organ from a chest wall, comprising:

an elongated handle including an opening formed therein;

a cable received in the handle opening;

first and second support elements positioned opposite each other, the support elements having a face with a plurality of suction elements operatively attached to the face;

a first linkage connected adjacent a first end of each of the first and second support elements;

a midpoint of the first linkage connected to the cable;

a second linkage connected adjacent a second end of each of the first and second support element; and

a midpoint of the second linkage connected to the cable;

wherein the cable is pulled to move the first and second support elements away from each other to separate the organ from the chest wall.

23. The apparatus ofclaim 22 wherein the cable is attached in a fixed manner at the midpoint of the first linkage and in a slidable manner at the midpoint of the second linkage.

24. The apparatus ofclaim 22 further comprising:

a securing mechanism operatively attached to an end of the cable.

25. An endoscopic stabilization apparatus comprising:

first and second support elements positioned opposite each other, the support elements having a face with a plurality of suction elements operatively attached to the face;

means for movably attaching the first support element to the second support element; and

cable means operatively attached to the means for movably attaching the first and second support elements for allowing a user to move the first support element in a direction away from the second support element.

26. The apparatus ofclaim 25 wherein at least a portion of the cable means is slideably received within a handle.

27. The apparatus ofclaim 25 also comprising a securing mechanism operatively attached to the cable means.

28. A method of surgical treatment of a heart comprising:

providing an endoscopic support apparatus comprising first and second support elements positioned opposite each other, a plurality of linkages, each linkage including a first end portion attached to the first support element and a second end portion attached to the second support element; and a cable operatively attached to the linkages at a first end to allow a user to pull a second end of the cable to move the first support element in a direction away from the second support element;

making an opening in the chest cavity such that the heart remains behind the sternum;

positioning the apparatus in a collapsed configuration;

inserting the apparatus in a collapsed configuration through the opening into the chest cavity;

separating the support elements by movement of the cable;

bracing the first support element against an area of chest wall; and

bracing the second support element against an area of the heart.

29. The method ofclaim 28 further comprising:

securing the apparatus into a desired configuration.

30. The method ofclaim 28 wherein the support elements are textured.

31. The method ofclaim 28 wherein the support elements have a face with a plurality of suction elements operatively attached to the face, further comprising:

grasping the chest wall with at least one of the suction elements.

32. The method ofclaim 28, wherein the support elements have a face with a plurality of suction elements operatively attached to the face, further comprising:

grasping the heart with at least one of the suction elements.

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